So for the first time this year after a couple of stutters, we came out of the Solent and headed to Studland not for the August Bank holiday weekend but just after it. We left on the Monday around 1130 and arrived some 5hrs later, half under engine until just passed the Needles, then we were able to sail wind WSW but in 6-7 kts of fickle breeze. Five smaller yachts had followed us out and despite Kites being flown by one of them we managed to stay ahead losing ground in the lighter airs but making better headway in the stronger gusts and of course sail trimming.
Four liners were at anchor in the bay, nowhere to go nowhere to be, one left probably out of boredom but was back by the Tuesday morning.
Dinosaur of the Seas
It is a beautiful spot down there off Studland, with some rolling hills, trees, the white chalk Cliffs offering protection from the predominantly South Westerly winds, however, it is this that brings its' downfall. Jet ski's that seem to see how fast they can go then turn sharply, then do it over and over again, speed boats dragging behind them inflatables with excitables' on board, no winder the Sea Horses can't hear themselves calling to enable them to breed.
Still part of the reason for going on Monday afternoon was that most if not all of these would soon head home leaving those that can stay in the peace and tranquility come sunset Skip counted 36 other vessels in the Bay, with less than half a dozen motor cruisers.
Sunset in Studland
Tuesday would've been a good day to carry on heading West, the tide was ebbing from around 1030 and what little wind there was seemed to be coming from the East whether North or South. It had been suggested by the weather forecasters that Monday would've been the coldest Bank Holiday on record, but it didn't seem like that. Whilst Skip was itching to set up the new Webasto heater to come on before dawn and warm the master cabin up to prevent condensation from forming, it really wasn't that bad. Yes, condensation did form but not to the extent that it dripped on my occupant's heads in the early hours. It was crisp but not to the extent that breaths could be seen a decision was made to run it for 30 minutes just to take what little chill away. All worked well and by the end of the timed period jumpers were coming off.
It was also decided rather than sit at anchor all-day and wait, we'd set off under tick over and make some headway. It was another glorious day and Skipper set up his trolling line but not with a Mackerel spinner but a spinner plus a squid lure, Maybe deeper waters were called for but in the end, it was taken, was that the one that got away! So with the line out of the way and the realisation that we would not be at Hurst till about 1700 and Cowes at sunset, the pace was raised and I went up to 2,500rpm aiming for the North Channel.
Two days before Full Moon
2000hrs
Whilst not the purest few days of sailing, everything was run for a while with no problems reported, even the repaired crack to the Corian galley sink didn't leak
